The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) is proudly representing Sierra Leone in the second edition of the African Military Games (AMGA), currently underway in Abuja, Nigeria. A delegation of 14 members, led by Chief of Staff Ministry of Defence Major General CF Marrah, departed Freetown on Sunday, November 17, 2024, traveling through Liberia to participate in the continental event.

The African Military Games, which began on Monday, November 18, 2024, bring together military teams from across the continent to compete in various sporting disciplines. Sierra Leone’s entry into the games, particularly in the Volleyball competition, marks a significant step in the military’s non-kinetic operations, emphasizing peace-building and regional collaboration through sports.

The RSLAF’s participation underscores the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to enhancing regional security and fostering unity through constructive engagement. The games provide a global platform for military personnel to exhibit athletic prowess, exchange best practices, and cultivate enduring relationships with counterparts from nations like Algeria, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Senior management within the MoD and RSLAF approved the team’s participation as a means of promoting national pride, sports development, and Sierra Leone’s commitment to peace and stability in Africa. The games serve not only as a test of skill and teamwork but as an avenue to highlight the capabilities and resilience of Sierra Leone’s Armed Forces.

The RSLAF Volleyball team is finalizing preparations for their first match, scheduled to kick off on Monday, November 24, 2024. A strong performance is expected to bolster the morale of the Officers, Men, and Women of the RSLAF and bring widespread recognition to Sierra Leone.

The leadership of the MoD/RSLAF has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make the nation proud, both on and off the court. The anticipated benefits of this participation extend beyond the games, contributing to Sierra Leone’s global recognition and fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and unity.

As the RSLAF team competes on this prestigious stage, the Ministry of Defence has called on Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad, as well as corporate organizations, to rally behind the team. The games embody the values of friendship, discipline, and teamwork, serving as a reminder of the power of sports in uniting people across borders.

Sierra Leoneans are encouraged to celebrate this historic moment as their armed forces proudly represent the nation, demonstrating the spirit of resilience and excellence on an international platform.